The key question when managing an irrigation site wirelessly is simple: how far from the hub can the devices communicate? This is exactly where LoRa shines. Because it carries data over long distances using very little power, it is ideal for large gardens, parks and farmland.

What range can you expect?

Range depends on the terrain, but the practical expectations are clear:

  • Open ground (no obstacles, clear line of sight): up to several kilometres.
  • Gardens and parks (with trees, buildings and walls): typically 1–2 km.
  • Dense built-up areas (between multi-storey buildings): a few hundred metres.

For most landscape and garden projects, a single gateway comfortably covers the whole site. If the site is very large or split by hills, adding a second gateway easily extends the coverage.

What affects the range?

Obstacles in the signal path are the biggest factor. Buildings, thick walls, metal roofs and dense trees all weaken the signal. Placing the gateway as high and as clear as possible — on a rooftop or a pole, for example — noticeably increases the range.

Practical tip: the higher and clearer the gateway, the larger the area you can manage from one point. Before installation we assess the site together and plan the gateway location with you.

What does this mean for ESTRON?

Thanks to LoRa, there is no need to run cables to every corner of the site. Valves and sensors run on batteries for years, use very little energy and send their data to the hub wirelessly. That means lower installation cost, faster setup and a system that is easy to maintain.